Notary Public in United States

Plain-English Law

Notary Public as defined by Nolo’s Encyclopedia of Everyday Law (p. 437-455):

A licensed public officer who administers oaths, certifies signatures on documents, and performs other specified functions

Practical Information

Note: Some of this information was last updated in 1982

(Pl, notaries public.) A commissioned officer of a state, whose powers and duties consist, among others, in administrating oaths, certifying to the genuine of documents, and taking acknowledgements. In some states, a notary is authorized to act only in the county in which he or she is commissioned; in others, the notary is qualified to act though out the state. Lawyers in some states have de facto notarial authority, but they must qualify and register and have a notarial seal or stamp (see notary’s seal (in U.S. law)). The eligibility requirements are not stringent, relating primarily to age and residence. Some states require a bond; stipulate that the notary public must keep a record of all official acts; require that the application be endorsed by a member of the legislature, a judge, or some other designated official.

(Revised by Ann De Vries)

What is Notary Public?

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